World News

The Slits Record First New Material in Two Decades and Tour U.S.
Published September
11, 2006

One of the most significant female punk bands of the late 70s, the Slits have reunited and front woman Ari Up is bringing them to the USA for their first full-length tour in over two and a half decades.

The band was from punk origins with an aggressive and confrontational sound that is most definitely theirown, but like their friends The Clash and others the young band became heavily influenced by reggae music and dub production. They played a brash, fun, snotty catchy punk rock that became increasingly experimental and avant-garde during the early 80's laced with Ari's signature wobbly screeching wails and yelps.

Not only did they bravely leap into the fray with little, if any, musical ability (on their debut tour with the Clash, Mick Jones used to tune their guitars for them), but through sheer emotion and desire created some great music, setting the stage for a future generation of riot grrrls. It was not long after that the girls defined their own sound and style, mastering their instruments and creating something completely original by merging punk with the organic and tribal influence of reggae and dub.

The band featuring singer Ari-Up and bassist Tessa Pollit, will be doing a 4 week reunion tour of select cities in the US around their showcase at CMJ.

The trek is slated to kick off just before the band's first new material in two decades, the Revenge of the Killer Slits EP, hits shelves on October 17 via SAF Records. As previously reported, the EP features Slits Ari Up and Tessa Pollitt joined by such guests as Sex Pistols drummer Paul Cook and Adam & the Ants guitarist Marco Pirroni and backing vocals supplied by Cook's daughter Holly, Tessa's daughter Phoebe and MickJones' daughter Lauren. The live show is rounded out with new and talented girls, including Holly Cook.